Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will arrive in Abu Dhabi perfectly equal in the 2021 Formula 1 drivers’ standings. After 21 races – nine won by the Dutchman, 8 instead by the seven-time world champion – the two start from zero with the sole aim of finishing in front of the opponent when the checkered flag will be waved on Sunday at the Yas Marina circuit. Only in 1974 was the World Championship decided after a similar situation, as Scuderia Ferrari driver Clay Regazzoni battled Emerson Fittipaldi (McLaren) at Watkins Glen in 1974 exactly on equal points. The Brazilian arrived fourth at the finish line, while Clay Regazzoni suffered from tyre and set-up issues, finishing eleventh.
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Former Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo was then sporting director of the Prancing Horse and compared to the poisonous atmosphere that reigns in the current Formula 1 paddock between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, he stressed that in 1974 the possibility of a crash between Fittipaldi and Regazzoni was not even imaginable: “At the time, loyalty was not optional. Instead, in these last few races, I had the impression that Verstappen, with an advantage in the standings, was hoping for a collision between him and Hamilton, which would take out both drivers. It also happened in Jeddah where they allowed the drivers to race on an unacceptable track.” – the former Ferrari president explained.
For Luca di Montezemolo it is also difficult to answer who will eventually win the battle and become the 2021 Formula 1 world champion. Feelings are mixed: “My mind says Lewis Hamilton, but my heart says Max Verstappen, to save Michael Schumacher’s record that he still holds together with Hamilton. From the seven Formula 1 world titles, he won five with me. I hope that Max, by running cleanly, saves that record” – the former Ferrari president concluded.
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